The Editor,
Two recent events involving two young girls on opposite sides of the globe are having a major impact throughout the world.
Fourteen-year-old Malala Yousafzai, residing in the volatile region of the Swat Valley in western Pakistan, challenged the Taliban. A Grade 8 student at the school for girls run by her father, Malala distinguished herself as a strong advocate for the right of girls to get education. She did this despite the ever present danger to her life. Luckily, she survived the deadly attack on her by the Taliban.
With her bold stand, Malala has shown to the rest of the world that it takes only one determined person to stand up to the bullies.
Her courage has awakened, not only the people of Pakistan, but also the entire world community. Even in Pakistan, a stronghold of the Taliban, not only the general population, but also the government and the military are outraged at this tragic development.
It is hard to imagine as to how the bravery of a 14-year-old girl can mobilize nations.
Something similar has happened here in our own backyard in Metro Vancouver. The tragic death of 15-yearold Amanda Todd, a victim of bullying has done the same thing in rallying a nation to do something about this evil.
Amanda wanted to be strong. Unfortunately, she appeared to succumbed to the relentless, cruel and pathetic actions of some individuals.
Since this tragedy, the media has done a commendable job in creating awareness about the curse of bullying.
There has been almost non-stop coverage of Amanda's tragedy and calls to do something to stop bullying at all levels including the social media and cyber bullying. Let's hope that some concrete solutions will emerge.
Both Malala and Amanda will go down in history as two teenagers who have highlighted the issues affecting them in a very unique manner in different parts of the world.
They have set in motion a movement which is bound to address the issues that affected them. May Amanda's soul rest in peace. At the same, time our prayers are with Malala for her fast recovery.
Balwant Sanghera Richmond
